Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I merely want to impress upon the Minister the importance of the scheme, which provides great comfort and reassurance to people over the age of 65. It allows them to avail of grant aid support for a pendant alarm through their local Community Alert group. I acknowledge the importance of Community Alert throughout my constituency of Laoighis-Offaly and beyond. Communities that may not have a Community Alert group should become organised. They have the assistance of the local community, the gardaí and the local county councillor.

It is essential in the context of winter coming, isolated areas, the possible closure of Garda stations and the Garda fleet being what it is, or not being what it should be. I want to impress upon the Minister the need to ensure the funding stream continues. I acknowledge that in my county of Laois, funding increased from €24,000 in 2010 to €50,000 last year while in County Offaly, it increased from €15,000 to €87,000. As it stands, there are 19 active groups in County Laois while there are 18 in County Offaly. It is important more towns, villages, townlands and rural areas become involved and establish their own community alert scheme because it is incumbent on us, as public representatives, to ensure our senior citizens are allowed to feel comfortable, safe and secure in their homes. The text alert system is working well, as are communities, but they need the Minister's support, encouragement and money.

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